Hopefully.....

With moving the announcements and prayer request list up where I can see it, I will keep it updated!! LOL :0)

Happy New Year's Eve

Mornin' Ladies! Yes, I have a new look today. Maybe too much coffee, I don't know, but when I logged on this morning and it was all pink/purplish I couldn't take it. So, same as yesterday. If you have any problems with this layout, just let me know. Or, just wait. It may change tomorrow!! LOL!!

Ok, the jury is in. We are staying home tonight. Donnie said I could go without him, but I don't want to. So, ya'll have a great time! I'll be thinking about you.

Anybody have any New Year's Resolutions??????? I certainly do. I'd like to drop some bad habits and replace them with good ones. I'd like to start studying the Bible with Donnie on a daily basis, and it would probably have to be at night after we get the kids in bed. I can't let anyone in on my alone time with God, not even my hubby. So, the early morning is out, that's my special time with Him! I'd like to drop some poundage, start eating and drinking better (more water, less caffeine) start exercising, you know, the normal stuff. What about you?

I had some awesome devotions this morning. I'd like to share.

It Is Finished!

So, when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. John 19:30

God always finishes what He begins.(Phil 1:6). God never speaks a word without ensuring that it comes to pass. (Isa. 55:11). Christ is both the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end (Rev. 1:8, 17). Christ is as much at the end of His work as He is at its beginning.
Jesus was given an enormous mandate. He was to live a sinless life, remaining absolutely obedient to His Father. Even the manner of His death was to fulfill numerous prophecies that had been foretold in Scripture. Yet, despite the extremely complex assignment Jesus received from His Father, He could shout triumphantly from the cross, "It is finished!"
Christ now resides within each believer. His assignment today is to complete God's will in each Christian. He is just as determined to do this in us as He was to complete God's will for Himself. You will have to resist Christ in order to remain out of the will of God. What is it God wants to do in you? Have you allowed Him to complete what He has begun? He will not force you to receive all that He has for your life. If God's work has not been brought to fruition in you, it is not that Christ has not been diligently working toward that end. Rather, you may need to release areas of your life to Him and be as determined to see God's work in you completed as Christ is. Review the things God has said to you over this last year. Are there promises God has made to you that you have refused to allow Him to complete? If so, commit to yield your will to God today.-Experiencing God Day By Day (the devotional to the study that we are about to start!! It's an awesome devotional gals!!)

Out of Control

One of the most difficult things about dedicating our all to God is to relinquish control. We don't know what He has in store for us. Fearful it may be too difficult or uncomfortable, we often won't let go.
We must remember that God knows our future. He has our concerns and best interests at heart. Along the way we may not understand the reasons for His direction. As we continue walking by faith in the paths He blazes we'll learn His answers.
Take each step, obey and fear not. One day, one moment at a time is all He asks. When troubles come, look to Him, plant your feet on His path and dig in your toes. Don't waver! He'll show the best way. He has already walked the path. - When I'm on my knees by Anita Corrine Donihue (I won this as a door prize at the Secret Pal's Christmas party!! Thanks Donna, it's an awesome little book!!)

I wish you all a very happy, loving, productive, Christ-centered New Year!!

At the close of one year and the crisp edge of another, resolve that you will let Jesus take the center seat in your heart and life-loving others through you, serving others through you, exuding His righteousness through your mortal body, all for the praise of His name.- John MacArthur.

New template

Hi! You know how I like to change things around, well, let me know what you think of this, and if you have any problems with this template!

Wednesday

Mornin' Ladies! Hope you are all off to a wonderful Wednesday! I feel pretty joyful this morning, I'll have to admit! I did go to Wal-Mart yesterday, and I picked up some plates, napkins and cups for the New Year's Eve bash. If anyone knows of anything else that we need, please let me know. I'd love to sign up to bring some food, but I've kinda left my husband alone for now. So, everyone, ask Donnie if he's going to the New Year's Eve bash tonight!! Ha! We'll get him one way or another! Just kiddin! You don't have to.

I'm doing another Elizabeth George Bible Study. It's in 1 Peter and it's titled "Putting on a Gentle and Quiet Spirit". Yeah! That's what I thought! I sure do need that! Hey, anyhoo, today it was on 1 Peter 3:18-22. It said that many have considered these verses to be some of the most difficult in the New Testament. So, I was wondering. What do you make of this? Let's have a little discussion about it.

1 Peter 3:18-22 (New International Version)

18For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, 19through whom[a] also he went and preached to the spirits in prison 20who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge[b] of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

Tell me what you think, then I'll tell you what I think, then we can ask Brother Joe if we need to!!

The Cart before the horse

Mornin' Ladies! Hope you are off to a wonderful day! Have you ever gotten the cart before the horse? Have you ever worked yourself up into a tizzy about how to get something done that you didn't even need to do yet? Well, ladies, that's what has happened to me. I was so worried about getting the tables and chairs for the New Year's Eve bash at the church (a stress that I had put on myself). Nobody said the tables and chairs needed to be there by then. Well, I called Brother Joe and he was so nice, I kept asking him questions about the tables and he kept saying "I really don't know." Well, it finally hit me!! The members need to vote on what kind of tables (6 ft or 8 ft) what kind of chairs (white or metal) and how many. I was taking this all on myself (putting a burden on myself trying to figure out how and where and when to purchase all of these and get them to the church with my kids in tow, when I didn't even need to worry about it yet.) I can't tell you how relieved I was to hear I didn't have to go and make these decisions! And bless our pastor's heart, he didn't want to hurt my feelings, I think. But I kept telling him that it really wouldn't hurt my feelings!! He did say that there would be enough tables and chairs, between what was already down there and what was at the parsonage. The weight, it's gone!! Thank You, Brother Joe, and if I get the cart before the horse again, please be a blessing and tell me!!

Whew! I got long winded there didn't I? That's so unlike me!! Ha Ha!! I'm excited about our new year of Secret Pals! Wanna know who I got? ???????? Meet me at the Secret Pals Christmas Party 2010 and I'll tell ya!! He He!! I can tell you one person I won't tell this year!! It's my daughter! She gave me away last year, but at least she made it till October before she did it!

Don't forget about the new study we're starting at the first of the year on Sunday nights. "Experiencing God" I've read the book! It's amazing! I can't wait to do the study! Don't forget, also,to enhance your study experience, you can purchase the study book at Lifeway for $14.95 (I think, don't hold me to that!)

Hope you ladies have a great day! We may head out to Wally World today. Austin got tons of gift cards and wants to buy some stuff for her wii, and the weather is suppose to get bad later this week!

I wrote a song for you!!

Mornin' Ladies!! I wrote a song this morning! It was written, as I bundled myself up and went outside to try to find Donnie's work coat. (I'm sure he thought I'd misplaced it somewhere in the house, but he found it hanging up at work!!)

Oh, holy cow! (sung to the tune of Oh, holy night)

Oh, holy cow,
It's the mess that comes after Christmas!
I have a floor, I know it's here somewhere!
Why oh why, did we buy so much?
The thrill of their faces lasted only a while.

Oh, I'm down on my knees,
I hear a little voice!
Oh, why did we buy so much?
Oh, why? It's not about gifts!!
Oh, why? Oh, why?
Oh, my! I found my son!!!

My floor, it's under here somewhere,
My floooooooor, My flooooooooor!
Only to see my hardwood flooooor!
My floooooooor, My floooooooooor!
Only to see my floor once again!

Crazy, I know! But, it's definitely how I feel this morning! I did some pre-cleaning on Saturday, but it got messed up again yesterday!! I'm so glad things are back to semi-normal around here. Maybe I'll find my floors!! He He!!

We are going to try to get up to Rural King today to buy some tables and chairs for the basement! For those who don't know, there has been a $700 anonymous donation to buy tables and chairs!! Isn't that awesome!!! I'm so thankful for my husband who has offered to go with us, and take a trailer, so we can haul it all in one trip. Thanks, Tina, for the offer, but when Donnie offered, I had to take him up on it!! If something happens and we can't go this evening, we are gonna go before New Year's Eve, so ya'll can have the tables by then. Oh, yes! I said ya'll!! I want to go sooooo bad!! I think it will be soooo much fun!! My husband at first tells me that it's not only the drunk drivers that get killed on New Years Eve and he doesn't really want to be on the road that late. Then, I think I got the real story!! He doesn't want to stay up that late!! So, if ya'll would, pray that he will change his mind! I really don't want to miss this!! (That is unless ya'll don't want us there, in that case, don't pray! Ha Ha!!)

An update on my Grandaddy. He is back in the hospital. Daddy got to come home for one day to have Christmas with us, and for that I am truly thankful! Grandaddy is not responding much, he had to go in from the Nursing home because he got dehydrated. They say he is so tired and sleepy that they are not feeding him, because they are afraid he will get choked, and get aspiration pneumonia again. I think he's depressed. I spoke to Daddy about it, and I think they were gonna talk to the Dr's about it. They started him on an anti-depressant and he took one pill and was sick for 3 days. But, there are many pills. Please continue to pray. And for my grandmother too. I talked to her Saturday, and she said her side was draining again really bad (where the feeding tube is). She did ask me to pray that Grandaddy would come home and they would get better!!!!! I was thrilled to hear that!!

I hope you all have a wonderful day, and may you find your floors!! Ha Ha!!

The True Meaning of Christmas!

One of the newer songs of the church encapsulates the true message of Christmas with a simple lyric "How Great is Our God, sing with me, How Great is Our God." Why is he great? Let me tell you. More than 1900 years ago a man was born contrary to the laws of human nature. He lived in poverty, was reared in obscurity, He didn't travel extensively, for only once did He cross the boundaries of the country in which He lived. He possessed neither training, wealth, nor education and His relatives were inconspicuous and uninfluential. Yet, in infancy He startled a king, in childhood He puzzled doctors, in manhood he walked upon billows as pavement and hushed the seas to sleep. He healed a multitude without medicine and made no charge for His service. He never wrote a book, and yet all the libraries in the world cannot hold the books that might have been written about Him. He never wrote a song, and yet has furnished the theme for more songs than all the songwriters combined. He never founded a college, and yet all the schools in the land cannot boast of having as many students. He never drafted a soldier, marshaled an army or fired a shot, and still no commander has ever had more volunteers who have under His orders made rebels stack arms and surrender without a shot being fired. You ask who is this man? He is the star of astronomy, the rock of geology, the lion and the lamb of the zoological kingdom. He is the revelaler of snares that lurk in the darkness, the rebuker of every evil thing that prowls by night. The adorner of all that is beautiful, the quickener of all that is wholesome, and the reconciler of all discord. He is the healer of all diseases, and the saviour of mankind. He fills the pages of theology and hymnology. And every prayer that goes up to heaven goes up in His name, and is asked to be granted for His sake. Every seventh day, teaming multitudes find their way to worshipping assemblies to pay honor and respect unto Him. The past proud name of the greats of Rome and Greece have come and gone, but HIS NAME LIVES ON. It abounds more and more. And though time has spread almost two thousand years, between the scene of his crucifixion and this present generation. YET HE STILL LIVES! Herrod could not kill him, Satan could not seduce Him, death could not destroy Him and Thank God the grave could not hold Him. For now He stands upon the highest pinnacle of heavenly glory, proclaimed of God, acknowledged by angels, adored by saints, and feared by devils. He is the living personal omnipresent, incomparable Christ. And this is the reason we celebrate Christmas! Indeed, how great is our God!! AMEN!!

Wednesday

Mornin' Ladies! Merry Christmas eve eve! I have to say Jackson really gave us a scare yesterday. His temp got up to 105.6!! Can you believe that? This was 3 hrs after his motrin. I gave him tylenol and stripped him down, put him in the bath tub. Called the dr. and I called everybody into the living room (Donnie was home yesterday) and we prayed over him. God is great!! His fever went down, and last night it was 99.6 when he went to bed. Last night was the first night he's slept all night in 3-4 nights! Prayers are answered!!

So, what are ya'll up to today? Wrapping presents? Cooking? Shopping? I just love this time of year! Today is my Granny's birthday, I don't know exactly how old she is, but I'll go see her today, and later tonight we're going to Donnie & Jane's for Christmas over there. I hope ya'll have a good service tonight, I'll miss ya'll.

Here's a little devotional I found for you. Hope you enjoy and have a great day! I love ya'll!!

What Will You Give?

Dr. Ronald D. Welch, Associate Professor of Counseling

“And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” (Ephesians 5:2, KJV)

In O. Henry’s classic story, “The Gift of the Magi,” a young man and woman, deeply in love, give each other gifts from the heart at Christmas. The young woman sells her beautiful, long hair to pay for a chain for the man’s prized watch. He sells the watch to pay for combs for her hair. The selfless acts of this young couple have touched many hearts since O. Henry penned the story in 1906.

In today’s busy world, even at Yuletide, too many of us think first of ourselves and then of others. Paul’s words in Ephesians 5:2 remind us that we are to “walk in love,” just as Christ did in the sacrifice of His life for our salvation. Walking in love with those around us does not have to involve extensive time or financial commitment—it is not the size of the gift that Paul and O. Henry were referring to. It is the condition of the heart that matters.

What motivates you this Holiday season? Think about the gifts you spend so much money and time on. Is your intention to impress the receiver with the amazing gift you have chosen, or to sacrifice a part of yourself through the act of giving? Paul suggests that our Savior has provided the model of sacrifice and gift-giving that we are to follow.

Take some time to consider what you can truly give of yourself. Instead of rushing around to seven different stores to buy the “perfect” gift, spend some time with God to ask how He can use you to walk in love with those around you. Listen to Paul’s words and make an offering of yourself to others in ways you have never done before.

This Christmas season, challenge yourself to give gifts of the heart, gifts of sacrifice and selflessness. Give the gift of the Magi, and marvel at what God can do when we truly give of ourselves in His service.

Tuesday

Mornin' Ladies! Thanks for all your prayers for Jackson! He has strep. He does good while he has the motrin in him, but about 1 hr. before it's time to give him another dose, the fever comes back full force.
I hope you all had a great time at the wrapping party last night. Sorry I missed it. (I know you had a great time if you were together!!) Thanks for all who gave gifts! Hopefully, we will make Christmas a little better for some.

Have you ever wanted to say "Woops! The calendar is wrong! Merry Christmas, here's all your presents!" I've been wanting to do that today! We opened some presents from Wanda (Donnie's Mom) last night. She lives in Texas, and had them mailed in. The kids had a great time. Jackson feels so bad, I just want to do something, ya know. He's soooooo sweet when he's sick (not only when he's sick, but when he's sick it tends to break your heart more!)

Ok, go with me here. I am in no way comparing my son to Jesus or me to Mary!! But, can you imagine how Mary felt watching her son die on the cross? She was there! She saw it! It has to be so heartbreaking for a child to die, but like that???? Can you imagine? Jackson only has a small fever, and I want to give him Christmas presents. I was ready to call Santa in for an early delivery. Can you imagine what she wanted to do? I'm sure the Momma in her wanted to kill those responsible. We all know that's not right, but how would you feel if someone did that to your son? I'm sure she wanted to get him down off that cross herself. Wow!! What she must have went through!

Just my mind running this morning! Hope you all have a great Christmas eve eve eve!

Happy New Year 2010!!!!

Mornin' Ladies!! Hope you're off to a great year!! I'm so glad to be a part of Grace Baptist, and so glad to know you all! I'm looking forward to another year with ya'll!

Resolutions

So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" - John 21:15

Jesus has a wonderful way of restoring us when we fail Him! He does not humiliate us. He does not criticize us. He does not ask us to make a resolution to try harder. Rather, He takes us aside and asks us to reaffirm our love for Him.
Peter miserably failed his Lord when he fled with the other disciples from the Garden of Gethsemane. Later, he publicly denied that he even knew Jesus. Peter must have wondered if he had been capable of being Jesus' disciple when he was unfaithful to Jesus in His most crucial hour.
As you begin a new year, you may be painfully aware that you have failed your Lord in many ways. Perhaps you were not faithful. Perhaps you disobeyed His word to you. Perhaps you denied Him by the way you lived. Jesus will take you aside as He did Peter. He will not berate you. He will not humiliate you. He will ask you to examine your love for Him. He asked Peter, "Do you love me?" If your answer, like Peter's is "Yes, Lord." He will reaffirm His will for you. If you truly love Him, you will obey Him (John 14:15). Jesus does not need your resolutions, your recommitments, or your promises to try harder this year. If your resolve to obey God last year did not help you to be faithful, it will not make you successful this year. Jesus asks for your love. If you truly love Him, your service for Him in the new year will be of the quality that He desires. -Experiencing God Day By Day


May you all have a happy, blessed and Christ-centered New Year!! Love Ya'll!

Monday, Monday

Mornin' Ladies! This will be a short post this morning. I've got a lot going on. Jackson woke up last night sick, and I took his temp when he woke up this morning it was 104.2!! Replay of a few weeks ago. Not only is he saying "I sorry, Momma." He said "I need a big hug!" Isn't that sweet and sad at the same time? Thank goodness motrin knocks his fever down in about 30 minutes! So, needless to say, we will be going to the Dr today.

Wasn't that a good sermon yesterday? (Ok, and am I not alone when I say that Bro. Joe made it look so easy to tack that on the cross. IT WAS HARD!! It must be a preacher thing!! LOL!!)

I was listening to a good sermon this morning that I had taped on TV. It was by Charles Stanley, he was talking about The First Christmas, and the perfect gift of Jesus. If you see it on, I highly recommend it! Gotta go.

I won't be at the wrapping party tonight. Ya'll have fun! I won't be there Wed. night either. We are doing Christmas with Donnie's Daddy. I guess I'll see you all again on Sunday!! Love ya'll!

Finally Friday

Mornin' Ladies of Grace!! Hope you are off to a wonderful day! I love today's verse in the Love Dare calendar. I think I've shared this story before, but last year on our way home from Women of Joy, we were going over different verses in the Bible, and saying what they meant to us, when my friends Gina and Stephanie shared this verse with us, but with a new twist! Whenever you are thinking the wrong thoughts, feeling down, getting bitter, etc. You need to Philippians 4:8 it!! I love that, and will never forget it!! We had such an awesome time!

I have to share with you what I've been meditating on, and honestly, I don't think there's anything any more praiseworthy!! As we probably all do this time of the year, I've been thinking about Jesus' birth. Well, I've been reading my commentaries, and looking up other scriptures related, and those that prophesied of his birth. I think we will all agree when I say the greatest miracles happen when babies are born. The GREATEST miracle happened when Jesus himself was born. Have you ever thought about all the people surrounded around that MIRACLE and how they thought or felt about it.

Mary - she was blessed, and she felt so, I'm sure. But, you know she faced criticism and harsh words. Her road wasn't easy.

Joseph- he was blessed. I'm sure he felt betrayed by Mary, and hurt. But, after he was visited by the angel, he understood. But you know he faced criticism, can you imagine his friends, and others mocking him, and teasing him?

Mary and Joseph's parents - did they believe her? Did they feel as blessed as they should have being the "grandparents " of Jesus? You know they also faced criticism.

I'd like to share with you now, some of my commentary from my Life Application Bible.

"Sometimes we think to ourselves, "I'm being obedient, so why aren't things going better?" We face discomfort or inconvenience and immediately think either that we have misread God's will or that God has made a mistake. But watch this quiet couple as they head toward Bethlehem. God did not soften Joseph's bumpy road, but strengthened him. God did not provide a luxurious inn for Joseph and Mary, but brought his Son into the world in Humble surroundings. When we do God's will, we are not guaranteed comfort and convenience. But we are promised that everything, even discomfort and inconvenience, has meaning in God's plan. He will guide you and provide all you need. Like Joseph, live each day by faith, trusting that God is in charge."

"Despite popular Christmas card pictures, the surroundings were dark and dirty. This was not the atmosphere the Jews expected as the birthplace of the Messiah-King. They thought their promised Messiah would be born in royal surroundings. We should not limit God by our expectations. He is at work wherever he is needed in our sin darkened and dirty world."

Ok, now on a lighter note. We all know that facebook has a stalker, right? Well, does Grace have a stalker? I went to Clarksville yesterday, and one of Grace's members kept showing up wherever I went. HMMMMMMMM!! Watch out ladies!! All I got to say, is I'm glad she wasn't taking pictures!! LOL!! Just kiddin' ! It was good to see you, sista!

Have a great day! We have Donnie's work Christmas party tonight. So, I'll be eating some good Paris Landing food. Love ya'll! Have a great one!!

The Christmas Story

The Christmas Story

For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. - Isaiah 9:6

"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.' When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has told us about.' So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about the child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told." Luke 2:1-17

CHRISTMAS FILLING

Ephesians 5:18, "Be filled with the Spirit."

What do you think of at Christmas? To many people Christmas is coming home from shopping with a car filled with gifts, homes filled with decorations, tables filled with food and stockings filled with things we will never use. We are filled to over the top.

Does this picture relate to the story we read of Jesus' birth in the New Testament? As I read the account again recently I noticed something I hadn't understood before. Yes, the birth of Jesus is a time of filling, but a different kind of filling. It is the filling of the Holy Spirit.

Nearly everyone associated with the birth of Jesus was filled and empowered with the Holy Ghost. Let's have a look...

The birth of John the Baptist

The angel came to Zacharias and told him that he would have a son who would prepare the way for the coming of Jesus. He said in Luke 1:15-17, "He shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God."

God was true to His word and Elisabeth, Zacharias' wife conceived. Mary came to visit her during her pregnancy and the moment Mary greeted Elisabeth, "the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost." (Luke 1:41)

John was born with great joy. At his circumcision celebration where they named him John, "Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied." (Luke 1:67)

The birth of Jesus

Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:35 says, "And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the son of God." Read also Matthew 1:18, 20.

After Jesus was born, Joseph and Mary took him to the temple to be dedicated. At the temple was a man named Simeon who was filled with the Holy Ghost. Luke 2:25-28 tells us more about him. He was "just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus... then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God..."

Simeon walked and lived in the power of the Holy Spirit. He listened to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Because he was in tune with the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit was able to reveal to him about Jesus and He led him, by the Spirit, into the temple at the very right moment that Joseph and Mary brought Jesus. As Simeon held Jesus in his arms, he also prophesied by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Luke 2:34-35)

Anna, a widow of 84 years, who "served God with fastings and prayers night and day" also prophesied by the Holy Spirit. (Luke 2:37-38)

The challenge is: what are we going to be filled with this Christmas? It should be a time to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Imagine if we spent as much, or more time, seeking to be filled with the Holy Spirit as rushing around buying gifts and preparing for Christmas. What would happen? Imagine if we took time to listen to the Holy Spirit. What would we learn? What would He say to us? What difference would it make in our lives and in our homes? Imagine if we asked the Holy Spirit to lead us instead of doing our own agenda. How would He direct us? Who would He lead us to speak to? What kind of Christmas would we organize?

Don't you think it would be exciting? The birth of Jesus was not ordinary. It was supernatural. Everything that happened was miraculous. People were filled with the Holy Spirit and led by the Holy Spirit.

Why don't we put aside our own agenda for a moment and ask the Holy Spirit what He wants us to do. Let Him direct us and lead us at this Christmas time. Let's be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Love from NANCY CAMPBELL, ABOVE RUBIES

PRAYER:
"Lord, I ask that you will lead me by your Holy Spirit. I want to hear your voice speaking to me. Please direct me the way you want me to go. Fill my life with our Holy Spirit. Fill our home with your Spirit. May the anointing of the Holy Spirit be the preeminent thing in all our lives this Christmas."

AFFIRMATION:
I am listening to be led by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Tuesday

Ok, this is the second attempt at this. The first one was nice and flowery with words, but I accidentally deleted it, so this is what you get.

1. Please remember to bring your gifts for the angel tree (if you haven't already). The deadline was Sunday, but get them there as quickly as you can. Thanks to all who gave!! We appreciate your love and generosity.

2. Women of Joy info below, I have 1 cancellation if anyone wants to go.


I have an "out of the mouths of babes" comment today. As I was taking Austin to school, she was talking (imagine that) and I was half-way listening (imagine that) but what my ears picked up on was this "T-I-T, right Mom?" "What?" "My name has a pattern in it, it is T-I-T." "How do you figure, Austin?" "ausTIn burkharT." Ok, how she got this, I don't know. Why she thinks it's a pattern, I don't know. I just chose this time to keep my mouth shut and say a silent prayer that she would not tell anyone else about the pattern. OH, ME!!

WOMEN OF JOY INFORMATION

Sevierville, Tennessee
April 9-11, 2010
Sevierville Events Center at Bridgemont

Bible teacher Kay Arthur is one of our featured speakers for this event.

Other speakers coming to Sevierville are Lori Salierno, comedienne Anita Renfroe, and Christian fiction author, Karen Kingsbury. Charles Billingsley will lead worship for all the sessions. Also, Christian music artists Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W. Smith will be in concert together!

Make plans to be there without delay! Many of last year's attendees registered at last year's conference, so seating space is already limited.

I got pictures!!

Mornin' Ladies of Grace!! Hope you all enjoyed the productions last night! Thanks to Tina, Bill, Billy, Julie, Scott and all the others who helped with the puppets!! It was an awesome show!! Thanks Ms. Vickie for helping me with the play! I really appreciate it! Love ya'll! Have a great day!!

Say it Sunday

Mornin' Ladies! I know I don't normally post on the weekends, but some things just have to be said. Mainly, GOD IS GOOD!!!!!!!!! I would like to thank all of you for your prayers. They were answered, I assure you! I had the best weekend ever with my Grandparents!! Grandaddy is doing better!!!! Praise the Lord!! He ended up having a Urinary tract infection, they had to start different antibiotics, and put a catheter in, and he's still very weak and tired, but he laughed and talked with us. Grandmother did too! We had an awesome time together as a family and I would just like to praise the Lord for it!! I'd like to tell you what my Grandaddy said when I asked him what his favorite chapter in the Bible was. He said Psalm 117 (which is the shortest chapter in the Bible). I'd like to share it with you now.

Psalm 117 HCSB

"Praise the Lord, all nations! Glorify Him, all peoples! For great is His faithful love to us; the Lord's faithfulness endures forever. Hallelujah!"

And to that, I'd just like to add AMEN!!!!!

Friday

Good Mornin' Ladies of Grace! I'm leaving sometime this morning to go to Louisville to see Grandaddy and Grandmother. Mom and Andy are going with me. I'm kind of amazed and dumbfounded this morning. I read 3 devotional books this morning, and I'd like to share some with you.

Responding to Hardship
When you face a trial, what is your first response? You probably would like to run away as quickly as possible to escape it. Though this is a normal feeling, God has a different way.
It is not the trials in your life that develop or destroy you, but rather your response to those hardships. How, then, should we react when difficulties feel overwhelming?
First, trust God. Believe His Word and reflect on ways he has been faithful in the past. He assures us that He limits our trials and enables us to endure.
Second, persevere. Even when we don't understand and the pain seems too great to bear, we should never quit. Continue seeking the Lord through His Word and prayer. Cling to hope in Christ, and praise Him in the midst of the pain.
Third, remember that our sovereign God is in control. He's allowing this adversity for a reason and will demonstrate His sustaining power through it. Even though the pain might feel intolerable, the Lord will prosper us. Scripture compares our growth to gold, which is refined through fire (1 Peter 1:7). Often, I hear believers reflect on a difficult time and admit that despite the intense hurt, they wouldn't change the situation. They see the beauty God created through the struggle and realize it's value.
We will encounter difficulties-sometimes intense and painful trials that seem too much for us. Yet we can rely on our heavenly Father to deliver and grow us in ways we could never imagine. He doesn't demand that we endure on our own, but He does allow us to respond and trust Him.

In Touch Magazine, Charles Stanley

Devotional #2

The Lord is My Shepherd
It was a cool February evening in California. My 88 year old Jewish Auntie's hospital room had it's lights dimmed to gray. It had been a few days since I had seen her. We had had such a nice visit then. She was alert as we talked about family and how she missed Uncle Hy, who had passed away nine moths earlier. Now she lay there so thin and frail. Her breathing was heavy and irregular.
As I sat by her bedside, holding her cool, clammy hand, I thought of the other times I had seen her in similar situations. Auntie had had surgery 25 years earlier, and because of complications, she almost died. A few years later she was a passenger in a car that rolled down a steep hill and hit a power pole. Her face had been smashed, her jaw and nose broken, and other complications set in. Again, she almost died. As life went on, illnesses came and went, but mostly came. The doctors had already told us three times in the past year that Auntie wouldn't make it through he night. But she always did. Was this February night going to be any different? The doctor had been in to check on her and just shook his head. The rabbi arrived to look in for a visit with no response from Auntie. Would this be the night she would give up her fight for life?
On the other side of the curtain that was three-quarters drawn between us and the bed on the other side there was a charming, late-middle-aged Jamaican woman who was almost blind and suffered from diabetes. She spoke eight languages and had a sweet sense of peace and joy about her in spite of her pain. We enjoyed talking with her and found out that she was a Christian believer who grew up learning to read from the Bible. Every night before she closed her eyes to sleep she would recite Psalm 23. On sleepless nights she would repeat it over and over again. As she talked, I felt our spirits meet, and she would tell me how Auntie's day had gone. In only a few hours with her I knew I loved that woman.
Bob and I were both tired as the clock read 11 p.m. that February night. We'd had a busy day in the office and had driven almost tow hours through Los Angeles traffic to be with Auntie.
By now Auntie's breathing was very labored. I leaned over to pat her forehead and give her a last hug goodbye. My lips ere by her ear when the Spirit of God began to speak from my lips, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want." Then the angel from"Bed B" joined me: "He makes me lie down in green pastures." It was like the sound of a million voices surrounding the room. "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." That precious black woman and I dueted to the end of the psalm. "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
With a last kiss Bob and I walked out of the hospital room forever. Thirty minutes later Auntie died, with the words of the Twenty-third Psalm surrounding her room.

Father God, I do want to trust in You during all the various times of my life. Help me to realize in good health that you are my shepherd so that in bad times I can trust You to take care of me. You are such a wonderful guardian of all of my life. Amen.

Emile Barnes

I won't bore you with the other devotional. But it was about Mary and Martha and when Lazarus died. I was so overwhelmed by these 3 devotionals. How could it be any more fitting to me right now? You see, Andy and I talked about this last night. They've told us several times that this might be it for Grandaddy. But, only the Good Lord knows the time.

I love ya'll! Thanks for your prayers. I will be back for Sunday! See ya then!

One of my favorite songs

Seems so appropriate for today.

Praise You in This Storm
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Chorus






Your prayers for God's will to be done will be appreciated! Please also pray for Daddy, Aunt Jackie and especially Grandmother! Thanks guys!! Love ya'll!

Thursday Thoughts

Mornin' Ladies! In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. -1 Thess. 5:18

Thank God in everything!! Now, we all know we have some hard times, but we can thank him even during those times. (We don't have to thank him for the bad circumstances. But, we can thank him for his presence, for his love, for his faithfulness, for his Word, for our salvation,.......etc.....and the list goes on and on to be thankful to him for.) The Bible doesn't say if you feel like it, or if your circumstances are right, give thanks. We are commanded to give thanks in everything.

I thank the Lord that Jackson is better, his fever broke yesterday. My Grandaddy is not doing good, however. They are getting another Doctor. He is running more tests. I asked Daddy last night if he thought I should come up. He said to do whatever I thought. Mom called this morning and said that Grandaddy and Daddy talked about it and said for me to stay home and take care of Jackson. (This sounds more like a Daddy thing than a Grandaddy thing, if you ask me.) I have also recently learned that Grandmother told Daddy not to pray for them to get better. That's hard. I know they are ready to go home. That's hard too. But, I will pray and ask the Lord what HE wants me to do, and I will thank him for the wonderful Grandparents I have, and the great memories I have with them.

I love ya'll! Give him thanks today!!

WOMEN OF JOY INFORMATION

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PRICING INFORMATION DOES NOT APPLY TO US, SINCE WE ARE NOT USING THEIR HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS!! I POSTED MAINLY FOR THE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS, BUT I COULDN'T GET ONLY PART OF IT. IF YOU WANT TO VISIT THE WEBSITE, IT IS www.womenofjoy.org We do have one cancellation if anyone would like to go!! Just let me know!!
STANDARD LODGING PACKAGE (See Hotels) EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT PRICE COST AFTER DEADLINE 4 per room $109 per person $119 per person 3 per room $129 per person $139 per person 2 per room $149 per person $159 per person 1 per room $229 per person $239 per person DELUXE LODGING PACKAGE EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT PRICE COST AFTER DEADLINE 4 per room $169 per person $179 per person 3 per room $199 per person $209 per person 2 per room $249 per person $259 per person 1 per room $399 per person $409 per person CONFERENCE ONLY $79 per person Sevierville Prices & Deadlines Early Bird Deadline: 1/20/10 Bal/Rm List due: 2/17/10 THE TOTAL COST PER PERSON INCLUDES: the $25 non-refundable deposit lodging for two nights (lodging package) all conference participation Your final cost will reflect your rooming choices and any applicable discounts. Those who wish to provide their own lodging may may attend the conference for the Conferency Only rate. The Early Bird Discount does not apply to the Conference Only rate. Prices do NOT include meals. Please also see our Refund Policy.		Sevierville Schedule of Events Day 1 Friday, April 9, 2010 12:00 noon Registration opens 7:00 p.m. Charles Billingsley 7:30 p.m. Lori Salierno 8:30 p.m. Adjourn Day 2 Saturday, April 10, 2010 9:00 a.m. Charles Billingsley 9:30 a.m. Anita Renfroe 10:30 a.m. Break 11:00 a.m. Kay Arthur Noon FREE TIME 8:00 p.m. Steven Curtis Chapman & Michael W. Smith 9:00 p.m. Adjourn Day 3 Sunday, April 11, 2010 9:00 a.m. Charles Billingsley 9:30 a.m. Karen Kingsbury 11:00 a.m. Adjourn for home PAYMENT INFORMATION Checks are payable to Phil Waldrep Ministries. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover are accepted.
DISCLAIMER This information is subject to change without notice. While every effort is made to maintain this web site error-free, we cannot accept responsibility for errors or changes that may conflict with our printed information.

Secret Pals Christmas Party 2009!!

Wednesday

Mornin' Ladies of Grace!! Hope you are all off to a wonderful Wednesday!! Sorry I didn't get to post yesterday. I was a little busy trying to make a "professional" birthday cake for Austin. Ok, let's just say, I was gonna post a picture, (my thoughts before it got finished), then decided not to. I would like to thank the Good Lord for cake decorators, of which he knows I am not one!!! Let's just put it this way, I told Austin I worked really hard and had a hard time with her cake and she said "I can tell!" Nothing like the honesty of a child! Oh, well, I did it (once), ok well, I had to make 2 cakes, because the first one broke, BUT the cakes tasted great (they were a box mix). I told Donnie I was gonna make him one twice that size for his birthday (after he had tasted the icing) He said "I don't deserve that!" It was one birthday cake I think we will NEVER forget!!

Good news from the Good News club at DES!! Last week it was about 30, this week, it was almost 50!!!!! Amen!! Also, funny news from the Good News club. Luckily, my friend Gina works with the club, and she tells me little "funnies". Gotta share this!! Austin got a teddy bear and balloon from Donnie's Mom at school yesterday. Gina said "Oh, Austin, who gave you that?" she said "THE OFFICE!!" She actually thought the people in the office gave it to her! Gina then told her how to read the card that was attached to see who it was from. (They learn A LOT in the Good News club!)

Please pray for the play! Tonight is our last practice before the play on Sunday. Just please lift all the kids up in prayer, and hopefully, some seeds will be planted!!

Love you all!!

Monday

Good Mornin' Ladies! I hate so much that I missed all the festivities yesterday. I heard it was wonderful getting to meet in the basement. I also saw how good they had it looking the night before. To everyone that did work on the basement, thank you!!!!! It is awesome and will be enjoyed forevermore!! Also sorry I missed the business meeting last night. Hope Brother Joe could read what I sent by email. To those of you who don't know, I have one sick little boy. His fever has been over 104. It's pitiful. He will come up to me and say "I sorry Mama." It breaks my heart. He will get to feeling better today, I'm sure of it. He's usually pretty good as long as we keep motrin and tylenol in him.
Don't forget about the Secret Pal's Christmas party tonight. Hopefully, I will get to be there. I sure don't want to miss it. I think I know who my secret pal is. I have it narrowed down between 2 people anyway.

It's Christmas Time
by Bob Lazzar-Atwood.

Put your problems on probation
Run your troubles off the track,
Throw your worries out the window
Get the monkeys off your back.
Silence all your inner critics
With your conscience make amends,
And allow yourself some happiness
It's Christmas time again!
Call a truce with those who bother you
Let all the fighting cease,
Give your differences a breather
And declare a time of peace,
Don't let angry feelings taint
The precious time you have to spend,
And allow yourself some happiness
It's Christmas time again!
Like some cool refreshing water
Or a gentle summer breeze,
Like a fresh bouquet of flowers
Or the smell of autumn leaves,
It's a banquet for the spirit
Filled with family, food and friends,
So allow yourself some happiness
It's Christmas time again

FINALLY FRIDAY!!

Good mornin' Ladies!! Hope you are off to a good one, I know I am!! I am SOOOOOOO excited. I just got the cake recipe from the lady that used to make the birthday cakes for my kids (she stopped making them) So, for the first time ever, I will be attempting to make a professional-like cake for Austin for her birthday!! I'm so excited, and she is too, I just hope it works! He He!! We, as I'm sure all of you do too, have a very busy next few days lined up. Saturday we are taking Austin and some her friends out to eat and to a movie for her birthday (instead of a party this year!! Woo Hoo!!) DON'T FORGET TO BRING FOOD FOR SUNDAY!! We're having our dinner after church! Monday is the Secret Pals party!! Tuesday is Austin's birthday!! Wednesday will be our last play practice. Sunday is the cantata for the am worship. Sunday pm worship will be the play, then the puppets "production" then desserts afterward. Woo! Get dizzy just thinking about it!

Love ya'll! Please pray for my Grandaddy. He's in the hospital in Louisville with pneumonia. Daddy is up there with him. Thanks guys!



The True Meaning Of Christmas
by Brian K. Walters

In todays' day and time,
it's easy to lose sight,
of the true meaning of Christmas
and one special night.

When we go shopping,
We say "How much will it cost?"
Then the true meaning of Christmas,
Somehow becomes lost.

Amidst the tinsel, glitter
And ribbons of gold,
We forget about the child,
born on a night so cold.

The children look for Santa
In his big, red sleigh
Never thinking of the child
Whose bed was made of hay.

In reality,
When we look into the night sky,
We don't see a sleigh
But a star, burning bright and high.

A faithful reminder,
Of that night so long ago,
And of the child we call Jesus,
Whose love, the world would know.

Thursday Thoughts

Mornin' Gals!! First of all let me say, holy cow. I didn't remember that part being in the love dare. I almost debated on leaving that one out, but don't we ladies "leave that part out" enough? Enough said on that subject! Amen?

Ok, ladies. I have to be brutally honest with you. If I ever sound like I'm preaching on here (like I probably did yesterday), I need for you to know that I'm mostly preaching to myself. Today's love dare calendar really hit home. I don't seem to honor anyone with my words lately, and that verse scares me because, I don't want those things to be in my heart. (It doesn't help that my husband told me that the last few Sunday school lessons were for me (and yep, you guessed it, they were talking about the mouth.) That James, you gotta love him, right? He shoots it straight! Count all your trials as joy, tame your tongue, and lots of wonderful other things, that I need to do! So, I'm wondering, do any of you have problems with these things, or am I just a crazy bad person. I have tried "taking every thought captive" and I end up with a battle going on in my mind. The fleshly part of me wanting to get mad, or upset, then the spiritual part of me saying, "love your neighbor as yourself" "let it go" "it doesn't matter" "count it all joy" , then I can't explain what happens. It's like I get upset with myself, have fights with myself, inside my mind, then I end up getting angry with whoever talks to me next. Please pray for me. I am striving to be a better person, but I'm not doing so good at it.
I'm also good at the "woe is me" attitude. "I do so much" is what my mind tells me, WHEN I DON'T!! Self pity isn't pretty!!!!!

Does anyone have the Joyce Meyer book "Battlefield of the Mind" that I could borrow? Or any other thing like that? Maybe I need electroshock therapy!! LOL!!

Anyway, didn't mean to be so glum this morning. I just had to get it off my chest, and I love you ladies and know you'll pray for me.

CREATE IN ME A NEW HEART, O LORD!!!


I found the following poem online. It's an oldie but a goodie!! Love ya'll!

The Story of the Christmas Guest
by Helen Steiner Rice

It happened one day at December's end
Some neighbors called on an old-time friend.

And they found his shop so meager and mean,
Made gay with a thousand boughs of green.

And old Conrad was sitting with face ashine.
When he suddenly stopped as he stitched the twine.

And he said "My friends at dawn today,
When the cock was crowing the night away,

The Lord appeared in a dream to me.
And He said, 'I'm coming your guest to be"

So I've been busy with feet astir,
Strewing my shop with branches of fir.

The table is spread and the kettle is shined,
And over the rafters the holly is twined.

And now I'll wait for my Lord to appear;
And listen closely so I will hear,

His steps as he nears my humble place.
And I'll open the door and I'll look on his face."

Then his friends went home and left Conrad alone,
For this was the happiest day he had known.

For long since his family had passed away.
And Conrad had spent many a sad Christmas Day.

But he knew with the Lord as his Christmas guest,
This Christmas would be the dearest and best.

So he listened with only joy in his heart,
And with every sound he would rise with a start,

And looked for the Lord to be at his door.
Like the vision that he had had a few hours before.

So he ran to the window after hearing a sound,
But all he could see on the snow covered ground

Was a shabby beggar whose shoes were torn.
And all his clothes were ragged and worn.

But old Conrad was touched and he went to the door
And he said, "Your feet must be cold and sore.

I have some shoes in my shop for you.
And I have a coat to keep you warmer, too."

So with grateful heart the man went away.
But Conrad notice the time of day

And he wondered what made the dear Lord so late,
And how much longer he'd have to wait.

Then he heard another knock, and he ran to the door,
But it was only a stranger once more.

A bent old lady with a shawl of black,
And a bundle of kindling piled on her back.

But she asked only for a place to rest,
a place that was reserved, for Conrad's great guest.

But her voice seemed to plead, "Don't send me away,
Let me rest for awhile this Christmas Day."

So Conrad brewed her a steaming cup
And told her to sit at the table and sup.

After she had left, he was filled with dismay
For he saw that the hours were slipping away

The Lord had not come as He said He would
And Conrad felt sure he had misunderstood.

When out of the stillness he heard a cry.
"Please help, me and tell me - Where am I?"

So again he opened his friendly door.
And stood disappointed as twice before.

It was a child who had wandered away,
And was lost from her family on Christmas Day.

Again Conrad's heart was heavy and sad,
But he knew he could make this little girl glad.

So he called her in and he wiped her tears,
And he quieted all her childish fears.

Then he led her back to her home once more.
Then as he entered his own darkened door,

He knew that the Lord was not coming today,
For the hours of Christmas, had all passed away.

So he went to his room, and he knelt down to pray.
He said, "Lord, why did you delay?

What kept You from coming to call on me?
I wanted so much Your face to see."

Then softly, in the silence, a voice he heard.
"Lift up your head - I have kept My word.

Three times my shadow crossed your floor.
Three times I came to your lowly door.

I was the beggar with bruised cold feet;
I was the woman you gave something to eat;
I was the child on the homeless street.

Three times I knocked, three times I came in,
And each time I found the warmth of a friend.


Of all the gifts, love is the best.
I was honored to be your Christmas guest.

Want a recipe? Wednesday

Mint Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

12 oz pkg. mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
12 oz pkg. peppermint candies, crushed
8 oz pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 c. chopped pecans
chocolate sugar wafers

Blend chocolate chips, peppermint candies and cream cheese together; roll in pecans. Serve with chocolate sugar wafers.

From: Gooseberry Patch Christmas book 8

I haven't tried this recipe, but it sounds good -- you can't go wrong with anything with chocolate in it.

Wednesday

Good mornin' Ladies of Grace!! Hope this is a wonderful day for you! I just have to praise the Lord for a minute. They started the Good News club at Dover Elementary yesterday. This is where any child that wants to can stay after school and learn about Jesus. I was going to help with this initially, but I found myself with too many things on my plate, and had to end up saying no. But, I was the 3rd one there to pick up Austin (no they weren't all there to pick up Austin, I just realized how that sounded. Ha Ha) I kinda got a little worried and thought, "Oh, I sure hope they had a good turn out." I got to reading the Sunday School lesson, and the next thing I knew, I looked up and there were 2 rows of cars, and the rows were long. The gentleman that came to my window and asked who I was there to pick up, (and asked for my ID - bonus points for him!!) I asked if they had a good turn out. He said about 30 kids, and this was just the first day! AMEN!! THANK YOU JESUS!!


I also would like to comment on "Put more Christ in Christmas" "Put Christ back in Christmas" and "Put Christ in Christmas" The Lord laid it on my heart this morning, that Christ has not went anywhere. HE IS CHRISTMAS, HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN CHRISTMAS, AND WILL ALWAYS BE CHRISTMAS. The problem is not Christ, and it never has been, and it never will be. We can't PUT him anywhere.
I have posted on these things, and it's not a bad sentiment. The fault lies with us as humans. CHRIST IS CHRISTMAS!

Love Ya'll! Hope you have a great day!!

Think about Christ Tuesday

Mornin' Gals!! I have another email for you. I think I'll be getting a few of these, so you may see them for the next little while. I know they are helpful to me.

Putting More CHRIST in CHRISTmas

By Lorrie Flem

Let's replace worldly activities with ones that include spiritual meaning. Here are some ideas to help you make this year, and every year, a Merry CHRISTmas.

1. Make Him a Part of Every Day

"Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit," Matthew 12:33.

If He isn't in our everyday lives we cannot very well make Him an integral part of this holiday. So, first of all, make sure He is a part of your life every day; pray, sing, praise, and read His Word. When you live your life with Him in the center your children will "see" Him and begin to know Him more everyday.




I have a recipe for you today. I'm making this for supper. I have a lot of things to do (and I'm sure you do too)! It helps me if I can make supper in the morning. This recipe lasts for a few days! (even better) If you make this with my proportions, make sure and use a LARGE pot!!!! I use a super duper size pot that I use for canning!!

Junk Soup

1-2 pounds browned ground beef
1 can tomato juice
1 can tomatoes
2 cans whole kernel corn
2 cans black eyed peas
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 jar potatoes, carrots, onions (I use some home canned that Donnie's Mom gives us)

spices - salt, pepper, minced onions, seasoned salt


Have a great 1st day of December!!!! Remember Jesus is the Reason for the Season! Love ya'll!!

Meat on Monday!!!!

Hey, check out the meat that our loving, generous church family provided for the Good Samaritan!!
Isn't this awesome???? Thanks to Dottie for delivering it (and whoever else helped!!) We appreciate you!